The tiny metal eggs of Benalmádena
If you visit the Málaga region you might see small metal boxes floating over the motorway. These are the cabins of the Benalmádena cable car. They look like something from a cheap sci-fi film from the eighties. They are painted in bright colours but they still manage to look quite outdated.
A test of your bravery
Walking into one of these cabins makes you think about your life choices. They are very small and they feel a bit fragile. You might find yourself checking the date on the technical sign at the station. It says the system was launched on the 3rd of March in the year 2000. That was quite a long time ago in the world of engineering.
The numbers behind the climb
The system was built by a company called Doppelmayr. It uses a single cable system to pull you up the mountain. The total length of the journey is 2,646 metres. You will pass over 26 different pylons on your way to the top. The highest point is 28 metres above the ground which feels much higher when you are inside a small tin.
Four people or one very large snack
The sign says each cabin can hold 4 people. It also says the maximum weight is 320 kg. This means each person must weigh an average of 80 kg. If you and your friends have enjoyed the local tapas too much you might have a problem. Fitting four grown adults into this tiny space is a real challenge. You will certainly get to know your fellow passengers very well during the trip.
Floating in the breeze
The journey takes about 15 minutes at a maximum speed of 5 metres per second. If there is a strong wind the cabins like to dance. They can become rather wobbly when the breeze picks up. This adds a lot of excitement to the average incline of 24 per cent. Sometimes the incline between pylons reaches a steep 45 degrees.
Reaching the summit
The total height difference of the trip is 636 metres. Once you survive the tiny box and the swaying cable the view is actually very good. You can see the whole coast from up there. Just try not to think about the 15 minute journey back down in your vintage metal toaster.
